Just checked in to the brand new JW Marriott Austin in Austin, Texas, US!
Today is the JW's first day to have public guests. It's Friday the 13th but no doubt the staff here have got it covered. I'll post more info into this thread as I snap pics and experience Marriott's premier new property!
Lobby. Corner restaurant is to the left, Registration Desk is ahead. There is a beautiful lobby bar to the right (not see, n here, not yet!)
Thanks for the heads up. I'll be there next week scouting for sxsw venues
proelite,
Check out my pic below of the nighttime view; the RI/CY is just two blocks away. I happened to stay at the CY my first night in Austin this trip, and it was a fine property. I encountered no problems there. It also has a restaurant open till midnight, and a Starbucks in the lobby. They also have washer/dryer ($1/$1, free detergent), and the workout room and pool are in great shape. The Austin Marathon was occurring this past weekend so there were a lot of fit runners checking in as we were leaving for the JW. 4th Street and 6th Street (live music venues) are literally around the corner. The property has a prominent "no-noise" policy and evicts rowdy guests that disturb others.
You will be in a perfect spot to explore the city by foot in downtown or by Segway. There are also many Smartcar rentals available throughout the city (Car2Go in Austin). There are also many rickshas around downtown by eager pedal-ers. And of course there's always Uber and Lyft; cabs are periodic.
THANKS for the heads up on the new hotel. I'll be there next week and may change a SXSW venue to have a few guests at the new JW
The meeting space is absolutely beautiful. I did not hold an event on this stay, only lodging. But, I did wander about the meeting space to have a look. Multiple events were in progress at the time and the attendees seemed to be happy and comfortable in the space. Navigation into and through the property isn't a problem. There is a full-service (and nearly full-size) Starbucks integrated into the lobby on the second floor. This suggests its focus is on serving the guests and attendees than people off the street (they have to take an escalator ride to get there, and it's not prominently marked on the exterior).
You may consider the concierge (aka "executive") lounge as a meeting space. I don't think it's reservable but if you wanted to just have an indeterminate length meeting, it's the most spacious and well stocked lounge I've ever seen with plenty of social alcoves. There was never a time when the lounge was crowded or noisy, even at full occupancy. The lounge runs 7 days a week.
If you'd like any particular photos, let me know.
THANKS for the heads up on the new hotel. I'll be there next week and may change a SXSW venue to have a few guests at the new JW
Thanks for the info. This hotel was still under construction when I visited Austin last fall. If I make it back to the area I would like to give this property a try.
Hotel looks nice but the JW Austin website was not very useful.... how about some real photos of the place and the rooms instead of these artist renditions all over. They were not very useful.
mybnj,
I promise, they're coming!
I like to make sure my photos show all the detail you want to see and have the right exposure, framing, etc. There's also a few rules I have to make sure the photos follow or else they will be removed (example: I cannot have any Marriott associates in the photos; that makes for tricky photo-taking of social spaces). Sometimes, I have to re-shoot photos because of this.
If there's anything in particular you'd like to see, let me know and I will photograph it for you. I check out tomorrow.
You bring up a good point, now that the property is open.
I'll pass this to our team and look into the website being adjusted to include photos of the property!
I check out tomorrow and will be writing up my full review with lots of pictures, complete with all the little details you want to know.
I'm dining with Osteria Pronto now and Corner restaurant tonight (Avocado cheesecake, now there's something new). My stay has been on the 34th (top) floor and I've made several visits to the lounge (by far the absolute nicest and most expansive lounge I've ever seen in a Marriott). Worked out in the gym a couple times too. Won't be taking a dip in the outdoor heated pool. :-( Temperature dropped to 38 today in Austin so a bit chilly for me.
If there's anything in particular you'd like me to photograph or inquire about, let me know before checkout time tomorrow (11am) and I'll do it! I get immediate emails on this thread so go for it.
Thanks for your feedback everyone!
PS Here's a few sneak photos... Just can't help but share early!
Arrival court off 2nd Street, between Congress and Brazos.
Close-up of "rope wall" in lobby bar
Daytime view looking southeast from my east-facing room on 34th floor. Notable buildings, clockwise from left: Austin Convention Cetner, condo building, Four Seasons, commercial high-rise. Colorado River in background.
Nighttime view looking northeast from my east-facing room on 34th floor. Street below is 3rd St. Notable buildings, clockwise from top: Hilton, Austin Convention Center, Hyatt Place, condo building, Residence Inn / Courtyard combo. Colorado River is just south of this view (not in picture).
These pictures are awesome!
I've never been to Austin, but seeing these has me quite interested in taking some time down in the lone start state.
Any idea when you will be finishing your post on the JW Marriott Austin? I am really looking forward to more information.
Thanks for sharing, mmmm.jason!
I'll have to check into the possibility of staying here upon a visit to Austin.
HUGE Thank You to the JW Marriott Austin! What a great property in a great city.
April (previously at the JW Indianapolis) checked us in, she was very professional and represented the JW brand perfectly. This was our 750th night qualifying us for Lifetime Platinum (points were hit a long time ago).
They comped us the Presidential Suite! Did not expect anything, especially given the small percent of suites at this property, but they were very gracious and took great care of us. Thank you!
Pics of the PS: (This is all part of the PS). Floor to ceiling windows around probably 90% of the suite. Perfect for corporate events... Private events...
Meeting / area.
Corner view meeting area.
Corner view meeting / sitting area (TV).
Sitting / waiting area. Second TV on opposite side of wall from first TV.
Waiting and entrance area (closer).
Bedroom, King Bed.
Huge Bathroom. Tub and shower.
Huge Shower.
Double Vanity.
Thank you again to the JW Marriott Austin.
Great pictures marr10ttguy!! I travel to Austin a few times a year and based off of your recommendations, I'll have to check this property out!! Thanks for sharing!!
Great Pics! Thanks for sharing!
I attended a conference at this property in April and had a great experience. The food and service for all of our large conference events was outstanding. The CL and fitness centers are very nice. This is now one of my favorite Marriott properties. The only downside is the horrendous traffic. Leave yourself plenty of time getting to and from the airport, especially during the extended rush hours.
I just checked into JW Marriott Austin today. WOW, great service, upgraded to suite. Staff in lobby was everywhere, super friendly, informative and took care of all my questions. I had dinner at Osteria Pronto, amazing. There are lots of choices in downtown Austin for dinner, but Pronto is as good as any of them.. The service, food and atmosphere were great. Only problem is I will only be here 1 night. Can't wait to be back, keep up the great service.
I just checked into JW Marriott Austin today. WOW, great service, upgraded to suite. Staff in lobby was everywhere, super friendly, informative and took care of all my questions. I had dinner at Osteria Pronto, amazing. There are lots of choices in downtown Austin for dinner, but Pronto is as good as any of them.. The service, food and atmosphere were great. Only problem is I will only be here 1 night. Can't wait to be back, keep up the great service.
Does anyone know if I can walk across Congress Ave. and cross the Colorado River on foot? I have a conference at the Hyatt Regency Austin which is just across the river from the JW. Of course I will stay at a Marriott property, and the JW looks like the best one. CY is about the same price, and the JW brand is generally much more posh and has a CL, etc. Thanks!
Yes, an easy walk. Several bridges can be crossed by foot and there are a few trails along the water as well. If going in March or later, look for the bats (right before sunset) bats in austin - AOL Video Search Results
clebert We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of cocktails in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn behind the Four Seasons, and then took the very short walk down to the bridge to watch the bats at sunset during the summer. It was truly a memorable experience, and one I highly recommend.
In Austin for the Food and Wind Festival this weekend. Without a doubt, this is a top notch JW. What was really nice to see was the younger crowd staying here. Pool was fun, lobby was energized. Turn down service made me incredibly happy all 4 nights.
Visit this property!!!
Looking forward to additional information. I have a weekend trip to Austin in April and was looking at the RI, but this might be worth the extra points, depending on what you say. I will be very interested in how they treat you as a Plat. It looks like a great location for exploring the city by foot. Planning on doing a Segway tour to get a quick feel for the city.